Lenten mission at St. Thomas weaves prayer, song, storytelling into inspirational program
Cotter will introduce the mission during weekend Masses at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 18, and at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19.
The mission series of programs will be held at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 19 - Tuesday, March 21, and each program will be followed by a light reception.
"Our Lenten mission is sure to be a worthwhile experience for everyone who attends," said Chari Rosales, director of St. Thomas Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality (S.T.A.F.F.S.), "because Jeanne is such a marvelous story-teller. Her programs - a mixture of prayer, song and personal anecdotes about faith - combine to bring home a message in a most humble, yet illuminating way."
Calling on her many talents, Cotter has captured the hearts of listeners throughout the United States and Canada for over 20 years. Her bounty of knowledge is grounded in her own story, what Cotter terms "the authority of experience."
With numerous recordings and music collections to her name, Cotter's latest projects include the release of two recordings, "The Old Gravel Road: Storytelling and Song From the Heartland" and "Tender Hearted." She also has added the publication of her inspirational children's book "Child of the Moon" to her list of artistic achievements.
Cotter also has served as master teacher and coordinator of the Keyboard and Ensemble Schools for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. She holds an interdisciplinary master's degree in psychology and spirituality; her undergraduate studies were in theology and music.
Rosales invited people to attend as many sessions of "We Are Called" as possible. Freewill offerings will be accepted during the parish mission.
Rosales also noted that the parish mission will provide thought-provoking preparation for a Lenten reconciliation service that will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at St. Thomas. "The mission and reconciliation service combine to present a spiritually thoughtful way to anticipate the glorious Easter celebration," she said, adding that priests will be available to hear individual confessions at the conclusion of the reconciliation service.
St. Thomas' artist-in-residence program is being sponsored by the generosity of a group of parishioners who recognize music as prayer, and wish to offer the opportunity to share such appreciation with the community. Through the artist-in-residence program, Cotter leads the music at St. Thomas' weekend Masses once a month, and is presenting a variety concerts and programs at the church through May. In addition to the Lenten mission, programs include concerts, workshops and sharing her faith experience through story-telling.
For more information about St. Thomas' mission "We Are Called," contact Rosales at (630) 355-8980, ext. 138, or at crosales@stapostle.org.
St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,450 households of more than 10,800 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information please call (630) 355-8980.